Pharmacy

Why study Pharmacy?

Pharmacists play a pivotal role at the front line of health care, working closely with other health professionals to help ensure each patient's well-being. By understanding the properties and impacts of medicines and developing the skills required to counsel patients about their use, pharmacists have the opportunity to improve health and make a positive contribution to the health of the community.
 
Pharmacy students develop skills in drug development, drug action, drug use in disease states, medication reviews, counselling and communication. By understanding the effect and best use of medications and the role of medicines in best practice health care, students will attain all the attributes required to deliver optimal pharmaceutical care when they register as a professional pharmacist.

Pharmacy

Career opportunities

Graduates can complete a one year internship supervised by the Pharmacy Board of Australia in order to be registered as a professional Pharmacist – earning qualifications that are recognised across Australia and in several countries overseas. Graduates have also moved into roles in biotechnology, the pharmaceutical industry, policy making, and a range of other science-based industries.

Courses

Local students

Pharmacy courses
Offer yearCourse titleCampus(es)DurationSemester starts
2013 Bachelor of Pharmacy Bendigo
4 years full-time. Semester 1 (March)

Bachelor of Pharmacy continued…

Course description
Pharmacists have a crucial role as intermediaries between patients and medical professionals. Pharmacists understand the effect of medicines on the body, which is essential to the safe provision of medical treatment. Aiming to prepare students for a rewarding career in pharmacy, this course focuses on excellence in patient outcomes, clinical services, and medication review for safety and effectiveness. The curriculum helps students develop technical knowledge during practical classes on scientific formulation, and provides experience with the public in the model pharmacy on campus. It also covers communication skills, and provides valuable work placements. The Bachelor of Pharmacy degree at La Trobe University is accredited by the Australian Pharmacy Council and at the conclusion of the degree, students can complete a one-year internship under the supervision of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency to qualify as a professional pharmacist. The course has consistently produced outstanding graduates; La Trobe students have won the prestigious Victorian Pharmacy Student of the Year five times in the last eight years, with four consecutive wins from 2008-2011.
Prerequisite
VCE Units 3 & 4: study score of at least 30 in English (ESL) or 25 in any other English, and 25 in Chemistry and in Mathematical Methods.
Extra requirements
Applicants must submit a La Trobe Pharmacy Personal Data form - available at www.latrobe.edu.au/pharmacy/pharminfo - by the date specified on the form. Later applications may be considered, subject to availability of places. Interviews may be required as part of the selection process, and are scheduled between November 2011 and January 2012. The Faculty contacts applicants after assessing their application forms. Non-Year 12 applicants must complete and submit a VTAC Pi form if they wish other information to be considered during the selection process. This may include information such as work experience or reasons for applying. Applicants may wish to provide other documentation in support of their application.
Selection
Range of criteria, including high academic achievement (applicants usually need an ATAR in the 90s) and performance at interview (if required). Non-Year 12 selection may be based on ATAR, data form, Pi form, GPA, STAT Multiple Choice.
Middle band
Consideration is given to Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) criteria; and a regional bonus may apply.
Fee type
Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Additional costs
Additional costs include up to A$30 for a laboratory coat and safety glasses. Students can purchase these items from any supplier; they remain students' personal property. Clinical experience involves travel and accommodation costs, estimated on the basis of a maximum of A$500 per full-time week of placement, and these costs may vary. First year (travel only) - up to A$20; second year (one-week placement) - up to A$500; third year (1-2 weeks' placement) - up to A$1000; fourth year (up to 6 weeks' placement) - up to A$3000. Please note: international students cannot claim reimbursement of their travel and accommodation costs for placements.
How to apply
VTAC
Professional recognition
Graduates seeking professional registration with the Pharmacy Board of Victoria must complete a period of supervised preregistration employment (currently one year), then pass a final Board examination. Under reciprocal arrangements, this registration is recognised throughout Australia and in several other countries.
Full course details
Pharmacy Bendigo
2012 Bachelor of Science Bendigo
Melbourne
3 years full-time, or up to 6 years part-time Semester 1 and 2 (March and July)

Bachelor of Science continued…

Course description
This degree is a building block for a multitude of careers, because it gives you an internationally-recognised broad grounding in many areas of science  providing a foundation which can lead to specialised postgraduate studies or a range of careers. La Trobe offers a highly flexible degree structure, with 14 subject areas to choose from  as well as the opportunity to include subjects from other faculties as part of your degree. Because La Trobe has strong links to industry, students routinely enjoy guest lectures and work placement opportunities with leading government and research organisations  as well as volunteering opportunities which will help build your CV. Students can also access a wide range of support programs within the faculty, making transition to university much less challenging. La Trobe is one of the fastest-growing science research organisations in Australia, with work currently underway on AgriBio, the centre for AgriBioscience, a $288-million public private partnership between the Victorian government and La Trobe University, and the $94-million La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science at the Melbourne campus. Once completed, these Centres will expand laboratory facilities as well as teaching and research opportunities for La Trobe science students. Please note that students who enrol in the first year of this degree at the Albury-Wodonga campus must transfer to the Melbourne campus to complete the degree.
Prerequisite
VCE Units 3 & 4: English (any) and either Mathematical Methods or Specialist Mathematics. NSW HSC: Band 2 Mathematics and satisfy English requirements.
Extra requirements
Non-Year 12 applicants must complete and submit a VTAC Pi form if they wish other information to be considered during the selection process. This may include information such as work experience or reasons for applying. Applicants may wish to provide other documentation in support of their application. They may also be asked to complete a Maths test. Applicants through UAC may need to complete the La Trobe Alternative Category form, available at: www.latrobe.edu.au/studadmin/aw/downloads/Altentry.pdf
Selection
ATARs (2012) Melbourne: 65.15 Bendigo: 63.40 Albury-Wodonga: 59.45 Guaranteed Entry - Year 12 applicants only. Applicants with an ATAR of 65 or more will be made a first round offer. Applicants whose ATAR is below 65 will be considered through normal selection processes. Non-Year 12 selection may involve: ENTER/ATAR, Pi form, GPA, STAT Multiple Choice.
Middle band
Successful completion of Chemistry, Physics, or Specialist Mathematics facilitates an additional 1.5 aggregate points per study to a maximum of 3 points. Consideration is also given to Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) criteria; and a regional bonus may apply.
Fee type
Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Additional costs
Depending on the subjects chosen, extra costs can include a laboratory coat - about A$30 - and a dissecting kit - about A$40. Students can purchase these items from any supplier; they remain students' personal property. Additional costs for fieldtrips - food, accommodation and travel - may also apply.
Additional information
Students enrolled at the Albury-Wodonga campus must transfer to either the Melbourne or Bendigo campus after successfully completing first year.
How to apply
VTAC
Professional recognition
Depending on their major studies, graduates may be eligible for membership of professional associations.
Full course details
Science Melbourne
Science Bendigo
Science Albury-Wodonga

Want to know more?

Feel free to ask us a question about any course for local students.

Fees and scholarships

Undergraduate courses are Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) for eligible Australian and New Zealand citizens. The domestic fee calculator can be used to calculate the cost of subjects this year.

There are also a wide range of scholarships available for local students. 

International students

Pharmacy international courses
Offer yearCourse title (CRICOS)Campus(es)DurationSemester startsAnnual Tuition Fee (AUD)
2012 Bachelor of Pharmacy (049929B) Bendigo
4 years Semester 1 (February) $28 550

Bachelor of Pharmacy continued…

Year
2012
Course description
Understanding the effect of medicines on the body is essential to the safe provision of healthcare treatment. La Trobe University's Pharmacy course is recognised in the profession as producing outstanding graduates. In 2011, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia awarded Sarah Carminati the 2011 Victorian Pharmacy Student of the Year award for the fourth consecutive year. This was the fifth time in the past eight years that the prestigious award had been won by a La Trobe student. The course prepares you for a rewarding career in pharmacy, working at the interface between other health professionals and patients, with a focus on achieving excellence in patient outcomes, clinical services and reviewing medication for safety and effectiveness. Students undertake a comprehensive range of tasks as part of their course, developing their technical knowledge during practical classes on scientific formulation. Students also prepare to deal with the public in the model pharmacy on campus and develop new skills in communication, which are essential to effective health care. Work placements are integrated throughout the course, providing valuable work experience. At the conclusion of your degree, you must complete a one-year internship under the supervision of the Pharmacy Board of Australia to qualify as a professional pharmacist. The Bachelor of Pharmacy degree at La Trobe University is accredited by the Australian Pharmacy Council.
English Language Requirements
Successful completion of English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 6B certificate at postgraduate (EFS PG2a (75%)) level conducted by La Trobe Melbourne; for more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website. IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.5; or TOEFL Paper-based Test: a minimum score of 600 with a score of 6 or better in the Test of Written English; or TOEFL Computer-based Test: a minimum score of 250 with a score of 6 in essay writing; or TOEFL Internet-based Test: a minimum score of 96 with no individual score less than 24; or Satisfactory completion of an English language subject at Year 12 or equivalent level. This must have been completed in the last two years and at an academic level acceptable to the University; or Approved equivalent.
Academic entry requirements
LTM Foundation Studies - 85 Aust. Yr 12 (ATAR) 2011 (indicative only) - 90 + Range of Criteria. Please see the VTAC Guide at: www.vtac.edu.au International Baccalaureate - 31 GCE A Levels - 11 Hong Kong A Levels - 9 HKDSE - 12,6 (the student must meet the higher than standard English language requirement) Sri Lankan A Levels - AAA STPM - 9 MICSS (UEC) - Ex Yr 12 FSP Canada Secondary School (or CPU) - 85 Norway Upper Secondary Certificate - 4.9 Sweden Slutbetyg - VG/MVG All Indian Sen SC (Best 5 Subjects) - 85 Vietnam (Year 12) - 9 Thailand (Matayoma 6) - GPA 3.4 GAC Cert. IV - GPA 3.3 GAOKAO - see: the website If you do not meet these entry requirements you might be interested in La Trobe's Foundation Studies and Diploma Programs, which provide an alternative pathway to La Trobe's undergraduate program. For more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.
Special requirements
A telephone interview may be required as part of the selection process. Applicants will be contacted once their application form has been assessed. International applicants completing Year 12 in Victoria must apply through VTAC and must also complete a La Trobe Pharmacy Personal Data form which can be obtained at: this website Students undertaking practical placements within some healthcare agencies may be required to undergo a National Police Check (approximate cost A$15). Failure to do so will restrict the range of placements available.
Subject prerequisite
Chemistry and Mathematics determined to be equivalent to Australian VCE Units 3 & 4 with a study score of at least 25 in Mathematical Methods (either) and at least 25 in Chemistry.
Additional costs
Additional costs include up to A$30 for a laboratory coat and safety glasses. Students can purchase these items from any supplier; they remain students' personal property. Clinical experience involves travel and accommodation costs, estimated on the basis of a maximum of A$500 per full-time week of placement, and these costs may vary. First year (travel only) - up to A$20; second year (one-week placement) - up to A$500; third year (1-2 weeks' placement) - up to A$1000; fourth year (up to 6 weeks' placement) - up to A$3000. Please note: international students cannot claim reimbursement of their travel and accommodation costs for placements.
Professional recognition
Graduates can complete a one year internship supervised by the Pharmacy Board of Australia to be registered as a professional Pharmacist. Graduates can earn qualifications that are recognised across Australia and in several countries overseas. Please note that international graduates who wish to complete the supervised pre-registration employment in Australia require the relevant visa.
Course details
Pharmacy Bendigo
2012 Bachelor of Science (022039C) Albury-Wodonga
Bendigo
Melbourne
3 years Semester 1 (February) $23 360

Bachelor of Science continued…

Year
2012
Course description
This degree is a building block for a multitude of careers, because it gives you an internationally-recognised broad grounding in many areas of science  providing a foundation which can lead to specialised postgraduate studies or a range of careers. La Trobe offers a highly flexible degree structure, with 14 subject areas to choose from  as well as the opportunity to include subjects from other faculties as part of your degree. Because La Trobe has strong links to industry, students routinely enjoy guest lectures and work placement opportunities with leading government and research organisations  as well as volunteering opportunities which will help build your CV. Students can also access a wide range of support programs within the faculty, making transition to university much less challenging. La Trobe is one of the fastest-growing science research organisations in Australia, with work currently underway on AgriBio, the centre for AgriBioscience, a $288-million public private partnership between the Victorian government and La Trobe University, and the $94-million La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science at the Melbourne campus. Once completed, these Centres will expand laboratory facilities as well as teaching and research opportunities for La Trobe science students. Please note that students who enrol in the first year of this degree at the Albury-Wodonga campus must transfer to the Melbourne campus to complete the degree.
English Language Requirements
Successful completion of English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 5B certificate at undergraduate (EFS5 (60%) UG) level conducted by La Trobe Melbourne; for more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website. IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with no individual band score less than 6.0; or TOEFL Paper-based Test: a minimum score of 550 with a score of 5 or better in the Test of Written English; or TOEFL Computer-based Test: a minimum score of 213 with a score of 5 in essay writing; or TOEFL Internet-based Test: a minimum score of 80 with no individual score less than 20; or Satisfactory completion of an English language subject at Year 12 or equivalent level. This must have been completed in the last two years and at an academic level acceptable to the University; or Approved equivalent.
Academic entry requirements
LTM Foundation Studies - 60 Aust. Yr 12 (ATAR) 2011 (indicative only) - 65.25; 60.05 Bendigo; 58.65 Albury-Wodonga. International Baccalaureate - 24 GCE A Levels - 8 Hong Kong A Levels - 6 HKDSE - 8,3 Sri Lankan A Levels - BCC STPM - 8 MICSS (UEC) - 3A 3B Canada Secondary School (or CPU) - 70 Norway Upper Secondary Certificate - 3.5 Sweden Slutbetyg - G All Indian Sen SC (Best 5 Subjects) - 65 Vietnam (Year 12) - 8.2 Thailand (Matayoma 6) - GPA 2.6 GAC Cert. IV - GPA 2.3 GAOKAO - see: the website If you do not meet these entry requirements you might be interested in La Trobe's Foundation Studies and Diploma Programs, which provide an alternative pathway to La Trobe's undergraduate program. For more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.
Subject prerequisite
Mathematics determined to be equivalent to the Australian VCE Units 3 & 4 Mathematical Methods (either) or Specialist Mathematics.
Additional costs
Depending on the subjects chosen, extra costs can include a laboratory coat - about A$30 - and a dissecting kit - about A$40. Students can purchase these items from any supplier; they remain students' personal property. Additional costs for fieldtrips - food, accommodation and travel - may also apply.
Additional information
Students enrolled at the Albury-Wodonga campus must transfer to either the Melbourne or Bendigo campus after successfully completing their first year. Please note academic records and testamurs of students who complete specialisations in environmental science, space science, or statistics are annotated accordingly (e.g. Bachelor of Science (Statistics).
Professional recognition
Membership of professional associations is available according to the major studies chosen.
Course details
Science Melbourne
Science Bendigo
Science Albury-Wodonga

How to apply?

Enquire now about any course for international students or find out how to apply.

Fees and scholarships

Estimated fees for international students are indicated for each course above. Fees are indicative only and set at 120 credit points per course, unless otherwise stated, and may vary depending on the number of credit points in which students enrol. Some courses may vary in credit point load and fees will be adjusted accordingly.

There is also a range of scholarships available for international students to assist students.

Bachelor of Pharmacy - Dr Joe Tucci

Pharmacy placements

Pharmacy students are required to complete a series of practical placements as part of their course, in a variety of pharmacy environments.

The industry cadetship program allows you to gain paid workplace experience between semesters, giving you the chance to build on your skills and build your career. See cadetship program.

Overseas study opportunities

Gain valuable overseas experience by studying with one of our global exchange partners. We have partnerships with over 100 universities in more than 30 countries in Asia, Europe, and North and South America. See education abroad.

Student and graduate profiles

Students from our Faculty talk about their experience at La Trobe.

About the academic staff

You'll get to meet a large number of academics during your course, from tutors through to lecturers. You can view all the staff from the Faculty of Science, Technology and Engineering or focus on staff in Pharmacy.

Pharmacy events

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